Protective Garment

ABSTRACT

A protective garment which protects outer clothing from perspiration and body oils specifically in the underarm region that comprises an outer layer fabric and an inner layer fabric. The inner layer fabric is attached to the outer layer fabric, either in the under arm regions of the body or throughout the entire protective garment. The protective garment is constructed and designed to have a neckline the extends below the breast of the female, or below the neckline of the male, removing sizing difficulties due to breast size and remaining out of view and inconspicuous when worn with clothing.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/734,764 which was filed on Dec. 7, 2012; and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §199(e) to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/568,475 filed Dec. 8, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally pertains to a protective garment. More particularly the present invention serves as a protective undergarment for body moisture management and protection of outer clothing. The present invention is structurally designed for various styles of outer clothing to benefit from the unique properties.

BACKGROUND

The prior art offers a numerous supporting undergarments. Moreover, multiple undergarments in the prior art offer protective features against perspiration. However, the aforementioned protective features have many shortcomings: disfiguring when worn under clothing, lack of comfort, cumbersome adjustment, lack of adequate adjustment features, or available for use where entirely covered by clothing.

Outer clothing can be subject to degradation, staining or discoloration, when individuals have increased activity, exposure to high temperatures, activity in environments of intense stress, or periods of increase perspiration. The presence of perspiration on outer clothing can have negative effects in many situations: job interview, public speaking, and many other personal or professional circumstances. Furthermore, costs for cleaning outer clothing can increase as a result. Current attempts for providing protective undergarments fall short either by bulkiness under outer clothing or by the undergarment extending beyond a sleeveless shirt or dress.

Recent approaches include: articles that absorb, non-breathable fabric, undergarments that cover women's breast and requires much size variation, adhesive components that attach to the under arm, or outer fabrics impermeable to air that cause discomfort.

The present invention overcomes these short comings providing a protective undergarment constructed of a breathable moisture managing fabric, designed not to interfere with the neck line of men or breast size variation in women and additionally provides protection to clothing underarms, lower chest and back.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides solutions to the aforementioned short comings in the prior art via comfort, fit, appropriately designed undergarments assembled with breathable moisture managing fabrics.

According to some aspects of the present invention, additional features of fitting and support maybe afforded due to beneath breast aspect of the invention, such as underwire support and shaping. Additionally, the present invention is structurally designed to have a lower neck line for men to avoid evidence of the protective garment when worn under outer clothing.

Various aspects of the present disclosure is directed to a protective undergarment comprising a inner fabric and a outer fabric, the inner fabric concentrated in areas of elevated perspiration, configured to remain concealed in conjunction with low cut or short sleeved outer clothing. Accordingly some aspects include a version for men where the neck line falls beneath most v-neck or crew neck designs, yet still representing a t-shirt design and fit.

Moreover, in some aspects the protective inner layer of fabric extends throughout the garment. In other aspects said protective inner layer of fabric is concentrated in the under arm area of the individual.

In other aspects the inner fabric is comprised of a moisture managing fabric that is designed to prevent transmission of moisture and body secretions to the outer garment layer and prevent contact of such secretions with outer clothing worn over the protective garment. In another aspect said inner layer of fabric transfers moisture or liquid from the inner surface to other locations, including the perimeter of the surface or to the outer surface via wicking or capillary features, which keeps the inner surface dry.

In various aspects the moisture managing fabric comprises a synthetic fabric such as polyester or breathable fabrics such as silk, wool or cotton. These fabrics act to transfer moisture away from perspiring skin, spreading it over a large area in other locations of the garment's outer surface in such a way as to speed evaporation and not stain or discolor the garment. In other aspects the inner fabric may be mesh or wicking fabric. In some aspects, the inner fabric may be a quick drying fabric utilizing a capillary effect drawing moisture or perspiration away from the inner surface to a desire location such as the outer surface. According to other aspects the inner fabric may be a factor in absorbance of liquid or moisture, for instance moisture absorption or perspiration absorption fabrics.

In some other aspects of the disclosure, the outer layer of said protective garment is made from fabrics such as LYCRA®, spandex® or synthetic fabrics that are form fitting. In other aspects the outer layer is made from natural fibers for example, silk, wool or cotton.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 displays a frontal perspective view of the protective garment on a female according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 displays a rear perspective view of the protective garment on a female according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 displays a frontal perspective view of the protective garment on a male according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 displays a rear perspective view of the protective garment on a male according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in schematic form or generalized in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure in the interest of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Accordingly, the principle features of the invention can be disclosed in multiple embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, every feature and embodiment disclosed and claimed have the ability to be made without undue experimentation in light of what is disclosed herein. Substitutes, modifications or alternative arrangement of the invention is apparent to those skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Some features and embodiments may be described as preferred, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that variations to certain embodiments may be applied without departing from the scope or concept of the invention.

To assist in understanding the disclosed invention certain terms are defined below. The terms defined have common meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology included illustrates specific embodiments, but does not delimit the invention, except as outline in the claims.

The term “or combination thereof” is used refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For instance, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of the following: AB, BC, ABC, A, B, C, BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Furthermore, combinations that contain repeats of one or more item such as CB, BB AAA, BBC, CCABBBB, ACCBBB, ABCBAA, etc. A person skilled in the art will understand that typically there in no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless specifically defined or from context.

The term “outer layer” includes “outer layer”, “outer layer fabrics”, or “outer fabrics” and any variation therein. A person skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the terms as specifically defined or from context.

The term “inner layer” includes “inner layer”, “inner layer fabrics or inner fabrics” and any variation therein. A person skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the terms as specifically defined or from context.

The term “protective garment” includes “garments”, “under garment”, “protective undergarment” and any variation therein. A person skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the terms as specifically defined or from context.

The words “having” (and any form of having: has, have, etc.), “including” (and any form of including: include, includes, etc.) or “containing” (and any form of containing: contains, contain, etc.) are open-ended or inclusive and do not exclude additional, method steps or elements not mentioned.

Throughout the application “a” or “an” used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the specification and/or claims may mean “one”, “one or more” “one or more than one” and “at least one”. The term “about” is used to indicate a value includes the method being employed to determine a value, the inherent variation or error for the device or the variation that exists among the when comparing subjects. Additionally, the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to alternatives only and “or/and”.

Fabrics include but are not limited to quick drying fabrics, silks, cottons, wools, wicking fibers, synthetic fabric, linen, perspiration absorptive materials, yarns like: rayon, blends of hydrophilic nylons, conventional nylon, viscose, polyamide, microfiber, elastomeric fibers, hydrophilic rayon blends and cotton. Moreover, other hydrophobic fabrics, synthetic fabrics or yarns may be substituted as desired. Specially treated nylon fibers or poly propylene fibers may be substituted for polyester or acetate fibers for achieving similar wicking, capillary or run off effect.

Synthetic fabrics or synthetics generally refer to polyester and polyester bends. Some synthetic fabrics or synthetic blends add small amounts of elastin or spandex® to enhance ability to stretch. Other synthetic fabric blends uses increased percentages of nylon (to increase abrasion resistance). Further, polyester (soft, easy care fabric with dependable moisture-management attributes) is the leading synthetic fiber used in layers with wicking effects.

Moisture management fabrics include quick-drying fabrics, wicking fibers, impermeable fabrics and perspiration absorption material, all are defined below herein.

Quick-drying fabrics contain shaped fiber, where in the application of capillary principle, in contact with skin surface for the rapid absorption of moisture and perspiration transfer to the fabric surface and the facilitates rapid evaporation into the air allowing clothing to remain dry and comfortable for the human body.

Wicking fibers normally have a increased ratio of surface area, comprising a surface of a large number of holes or grooves, cross-sectional differences in general as a particular shape, use capillary effect, the surface of fibers in contact with the skin quickly absorb moisture and perspiration, moisture dissipates through material from areas of high moisture to areas of less moisture, the proliferation passes moisture and perspiration to the outer layer away from skin to expedite evaporation.

Impermeable fabrics include fabrics that prevent aqueous liquids released or spilled on the fabric from absorption, transpiration or penetration through the fabrics from one side to the other, which include liquid resistant or hydrophobic fabrics.

Perspiration absorption material can be widely used in shoes, jackets, shirts sportswear, pants, underwear, clothing lining, lining, decorative products and various other fields. Including, material or a device that can absorb perspiration while remaining adjustable and comfortable to wear. Moisture or perspiration absorbed via personal clothing materials or fibers can facilitate comfort through adjustable clothing as it relates to skin surface moisture, humidity, climate, clothing and skin contact or contact with a sense of pressure as it relates to a fabrics ability to “breathe”.

Wool commonly refers to merino wool, made popular by its soft, fine fibers. Merino wool's light-weight or micro-weight characteristic creates an excellent all-season clothing layer. Protein molecules within merino wool fibers are surrounded by lysine side chains that are electrically charged. The side chains attract water vapor molecules away from via hydrogen bonding: thus, removing moisture.

Silk fabrics are principally seen as a specialty fabric attractive because of its smooth texture. The term “treated” as it relates to silk indicates the silk has been chemically modified to increase wicking effect (a fabric's capacity for moving liquid or moisture away from skin to hasten evaporation).

Outer layer fabrics include fabrics that may further contain LYCRA ® spandex ®, elastic yarns, yarns which include elastin or elastin like fibers or other hydrophobic fabrics which provide increased stretch and support to the garment.

Inner layer fabrics include hydrophilic yarns such as nylon, cotton, rayon, hydrophilic fabrics such as wools, silks, synthetic fabrics, wicking fabrics, cottons, perspiration absorptive materials, quick drying fabrics and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon. Additionally, other hydrophobic or synthetic fabrics may be substituted as desired. Moreover, the inner layer fabrics have liquid and moisture management features including protection from fluids produced by the body such as perspiration and oils.

Form-fitting as it relates to an article of clothing or garment denotes one that tightly follows the contours of the body part being covered. Numerous garments or clothing types are designed form fitting, for example, leggings, tights, stockings and socks. Additionally, clothing used for exercise or dance, such as swim suits, unitards or leotards are form-fitting. Moreover, foundation garments and undergarments such as underpants, brassieres, bodysuits and in particular the present invention are formfitting to give a smooth appearance to the outer clothing.

FIGS. 1-4 display a detailed description of two of the preferred embodiments: one designed for a female, FIG. 1 & FIG. 2. and one designed for a male FIG. 3 & FIG. 4. Certain aspects of the present invention are described in FIG. 1 of the drawings discloses the present invention as is designed for a female (1) the undergarment is assembled of fabric which includes a breast-independent front portion, designed to cut below or under the breast (2) to prevent sizing and comfort difficulties and interference with brassieres or other supportive clothing, in which the front portion extends the length of the torso (3).

The lower portion of the undergarment (3) then connects with the upper shoulder portions of the protective under garment (4) as assembled has free ends (or openings) that provide for arm sleeves. Preferably, the underarm portions of the garment have a section where material is sewn or interwoven which serves as the inner layer (5) which provides moisture protection perspiration and body oils of the wearer.

An alternative embodiment is comprised of the entire garment (1) with a multi-layer composite fabric having a moisture management inner layer and an outer supportive, protective layer for the wearer. Every layer is suitably joined to the other by needle or nonwoven punching techniques or by sewing techniques standard in the art.

FIG. 2 displays a rear view of the protective garment (6) for a female, constructed of fabric, preferably including an outer layer wherein the wearer can effortlessly pull on and off the protective garment. Preferably, said inner layer (7) is attached to the outer layer in a manner which extends the inner layer from the front portion the rear portion of the underarm (even to extend slightly beyond the underarm area) for maximum underarm coverage. An alternative embodiment said inner layer extends throughout the entire rear portion of the protective garment (8) and the entire front portion (3).

FIG. 3 displays a front portion of the present invention designed for a male (10). A preferred embodiment includes the front portion (10) constructed of fabric which very apparently descends below the traditional neck line (14) containing alternative configurations, like the v-neck, wherein the lower portion (13) then connects with the upper shoulder portions (11) as assembled has free ends (or openings) that provide for arm sleeves. Preferably, the underarm portions of the garment have a section where material is sewn or interwoven which serves as the inner layer (5) which provides moisture protection perspiration and body oils of the wearer. Additionally, the neck line is shown (9) below the traditional v neck or crew neck.

An alternative embodiment is comprised of the entire garment (10) with a multi-layer composite fabric having an moisture management inner layer and a outer supportive, protective layer for the wearer. Every layer is suitably joined to the other by needle or nonwoven punching techniques or by sewing techniques standard in the art.

FIG. 4 displays a rear view of the protective garment (15) for a male, constructed of fabric, preferably including an outer layer wherein the wearer can effortlessly pull on and off the protective garment. Preferably, said inner layer (17) is attached to the outer layer in a manner which extends the inner layer from the front portion the rear portion of the underarm (even to extend slightly beyond the underarm area) for maximum underarm coverage. An alternative embodiment said inner layer extends throughout the entire rear portion of the protective garment (15) and the entire front portion (10). Additionally, the neck line is shown (18) below the traditional v neck or crew neck.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specifications indicate the level of skill in the art and are herein incorporated by reference.

While this disclosure has been described as having an exemplary design, the present disclosure may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All features and embodiments disclosed and claimed herein can be prepared and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed:
 1. A protective garment comprising: a composite garment having an outer and an inner layer; the inner layer comprising an inner layer fabric with moisture management material; and the outer layer comprising an outer layer fabric; wherein, the protective garment is form-fitting and cut to prevent visibility when wearing outer clothing.
 2. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the inner layer fabric is attached to at least the plurality of portions of the protective garment section which contact the underarm of the wearer.
 3. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer fabric is attached to the entire protective garment.
 4. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer fabric comprises wicking fibers.
 5. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer fabric comprises moisture impermeable layer.
 6. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer fabric comprises quick-drying fabrics.
 7. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer fabric comprises perspiration absorption material.
 8. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer fabric comprises hydrophilic yarns such as nylon, cotton, rayon.
 9. The protective garment of claim
 1. wherein the inner layer is selected from the group consisting of: hydrophilic fabrics such as wools, silks, cotton, blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon, hydrophilic yarns such as nylon, cotton, rayon.
 10. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the outer layer fabric comprises a synthetic fabric.
 11. The protective garment of claim 1, where in the outer layer fabric is selected from the group consisting of: LYCRA ®, spandex ®, elastic yarns, yarns which include elastin or elastin like fibers, synthetic fabric, wool, silk, or cotton.
 12. A protective garment for a female comprising: a composite garment having an outer and inner layer; the inner layer comprising an inner layer fabric with moisture management material; and the outer layer comprising an outer layer fabric; wherein the protective garment frontal neck line is designed to extend below the breast; and the protective garment is form-fitting and designed to prevent visibility when wearing outer clothing.
 13. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the outer layer fabric comprises a synthetic fabric.
 14. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the outer layer fabric is selected from the group consisting of: LYCRA ®, spandex ®, elastic yarns, yarns which include elastin or elastin like fibers, synthetic fabric, wool, silk, or cotton.
 15. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer fabric is attached to at least a plurality of portions of the protective garments body which contact the underarm region of the wearer.
 16. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer fabric is attached to the entire protective garment.
 17. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises wicking fibers.
 18. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises moisture impermeable layer.
 19. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises quick-drying fabrics.
 20. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises perspiration absorption material.
 21. The protective garment of claim 12, wherein the inner layer is comprises hydrophilic yarns such as nylon, cotton, rayon.
 22. A protective garment for a male, comprising: a composite garment having an outer and inner layer; the inner layer comprising an inner layer fabric with moisture management material; and the outer layer comprising an outer layer fabric; wherein the protective garment frontal neck line is designed to extend below the traditional neck line; and the protective garment is form-fitting and designed to prevent visibility when wearing outer clothing.
 23. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the outer layer fabric comprises a synthetic fabric.
 24. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the outer layer fabric is selected from the group consisting of: LYCRA ®, spandex ®, elastic yarns, yarns which include elastin or elastin like fibers, synthetic fabric, wool, silk, or cotton
 25. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer fabric is attached to at least a plurality of portions of the protective garment body which contact the underarm region of the wearer.
 26. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer fabric is attached to the entire protective garment.
 27. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises wicking fibers.
 28. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises moisture impermeable layer.
 29. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises quick-drying fabrics.
 30. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer fabric comprises perspiration absorption material.
 31. The protective garment of claim 22, wherein the inner layer is comprises hydrophilic yarns such as nylon, cotton, rayon. 